The grim discovery of a man's body in a field near Colchester has sparked a major police investigation.

The man, thought to be about 30, was found in the field at the border of Colchester with Wivenhoe by a couple walking their dog yesterday (Sunday).

He was fully-clothed and had a wound to his face. Police must now wait for the results of a post mortem examination, due to be held today , to find out the exact cause of his death.

The body was found by the couple as they walked off Boundary Road, which runs near to the River Colne and past the grounds of Essex University in Wivenhoe.

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed the body had been found but said it would not be clear whether it was a murder inquiry until the results of the examination were revealed.

Detectives think they know the identity of the man, thought to be local, but are waiting for a formal identification to take place.

Anyone with any information is urged to ring Colchester police on 01206 762212.

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